Teachers are the mold in which the future of our society is set. As teachers’ day is celebrated today in India, it is apt that we as Indians celebrate this pious day in its true essence by showing gratitude to our teachers who toil both mentally and physically in order to let their children bloom. Our rich culture celebrates this since time immemorial ever since the concept of gurudakshina was embedded in our psyche so that we consciously and otherwise as well remain highly indebted to our teachers who give their everything so that we have a bright future ahead. The story of Eklavya is of great significance here, since he was not recognized as a pupil by his teacher, Guru Drona, and by circumstances that were beyond his control, Eklavya even gifted his teacher his thumb, knowing well that he couldn’t practice archery anymore, the very subject his guru had taught him. Such magnanimous nature shown by Eklavya serves as an example to one and all, setting the standard for the conduct of the students towards their teachers.

Walking the talk, I myself have been quite close with all my teachers and I am observing teachers from quite a close range since my consort is a teacher herself. Coming back to me, I had an extremely sweet and sometimes sour relationship with my teachers, but I never lost faith in them and thank them for their patience that they have always shown towards me so that I become the person I am today; a large extent of that belongs to the largesse’s of my teachers. I never crossed the line while showing dissent towards my teachers, and whether I realized their worth or not is a different question, however, in my heart I have a deep regard and respect for my teachers. I will forever remain indebted to them since they have shown me the path that I have sculpted for myself and they have played a huge role in being one of the several determining factors that have contributed in me being an honest, upright and God fearing person.

I fear none, but I fear the dissatisfaction in the eyes of my teachers when they see their students going on the wrong path. Having observing my companion and as sometimes as she narrates her trials and turbulences while teaching, and also sometimes narrates her happiness and satisfaction at the way her children are blooming due to her contribution and contribution of other teachers in the institution where she teaches, I feel happy that students are being the catalyst in the transformation where the human society shall bloom. A teacher should be able to inspire, a teacher should be able to guide, a teacher should be a role model, but above all, a teacher should be a good human being. If the intentions of teachers are not crystal clear, the dark spots on the character of the teacher and his or her actions are also seen on the soul of the student that he or she is teaching, for the soul itself is spotless, but surely, the spots on its existence do affect the future of the entity, and this sometimes can change the entire path that the society takes.

On this solemn occasion of teachers’ day, I humbly request all teachers to be more forgiving and patient towards their students, respect dissent and encouraging questions and curiosity among their students. For teachers are those sculptors that shape up the ultimate destiny of the human race. Thanks and stay informed.